Pages

Thursday, June 4, 2009

President Obama Addresses Muslim World

President Obama spoke today at Cairo University in Egypt giving the longest speech of his presidency to date, calling for "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world." The speech was interrupted for applause a dozen times. The address was broadcast throughout Israel and the Middle East, with the exception of Iran which jammed signals preventing satellite owners from being able to view the president's remarks. (Gee, Iran, that sure makes you look tough! /snark) (Image: Stephen Crowley/NY Times)

President Obama's closing remarks invoked the holy books of Islam, Judaism & Christianity, in a call for unity and peace.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you.

The reporters looney-toons over at Fox are already trying so hard to try to spin this badly that they've had to resort to completely making shit up (here, and here). So clearly the speech was a resounding success!

It amazes me how people cannot resist the urge to criticize. I am very proud that Obama is being fair and honest with the issue of Israel. People might grill him for it, but I think it's the right path for the future hope of peace.

Agreed. Jon Stewart did an excellent segment on some of the ridiculous Fox coverage of the speech, pointing out the hypocrisy of those people who were so eager to reshape the region with bombs, yet are now outraged that our new president is actually engaging them in conversation. Amazing.